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WELLESLEY-IN-AIX

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Program Overview

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  • A hybrid program: WIA-organized courses + 1 or 2 classes in French university system (Aix-Marseille U. &/or Sciences Po-Aix) for 4-unit coursload.
  • Designed for students with high-intermediate French skills, i.e., beyond 4-semester sequence.
  • Immersion philosophy: all courses and all communication take place in French in Aix.

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Program Prerequisites

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  • French course of 210, 211 or higher at Wellesley, with a minimum grade of B, unless you’ve attended Bordeaux-Before-Aix (talk to Mme Bilis)

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  • 3.0 overall GPA

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  • Students must be enrolled in a French class (see above) the semester prior to departure.

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  • Submit applications online: https://webapps.wellesley.edu/aix_application

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Application Process

  • Two faculty recommendations required, including one from French faculty member.
    • Faculty recommendations should be sent to wia@wellesley.edu

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  • No official transcript required for Wellesley students applying to WIA.

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  • Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date from France.

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Wellesley Campus Staff

  • Campus Director: Prof. Hélène Bilis
    • Eligibility, Academics, Pre-Departure Meetings…

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  • Office of International Study: Jennifer Thomas-Starck & Katie Saibara
    • Applications, Visas, Financial aid, Insurance …

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  • Contact us at wia@wellesley.edu

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Semester or year?

Consider the full-year option!

  • Learning curve: 3-month adaptation process
  • Longer stay = greater French fluency
  • More opportunities for deeper cultural learning
  • Full-year Wellesley students have priority for:
    • Dorothy Dennis Prize- $450 for spring project
    • Michèle Respaut French House Fellowship- Scholarship for summer internship

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Program Dates : 2023-24

Spring 2024

    • Arrival in Aix on or around Jan 5-6. No late arrivals permitted.
    • Classes begin: one week later for WIA & Sc Po courses; following week at AMU
    • Final exams: WIA & AMU courses (mid-May); Sc Po (late May)

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Orientation

Orientation will take place in Aix and consist of information sessions on housing, health & well-being, academics; tours of Aix and partner institutions; cultural and social activities and a day trip outside of Aix

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Orientation in Aix-en-Provence

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  • Important time to adjust, explore Aix & get acquainted with homestay hosts & locals.
  • Information sessions on French higher education & course selection process.
  • Individual course advising meetings with Director.
  • Walking tours & practical information (e.g., transportation, student life, activities…)
  • Standardized French level test (TCF); exit TCF at end of semester. TCF certificate is valid 2 years.

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WIA Courses

WIA course offerings in 2023-24

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  • Advanced French & Methodology: Provence in Literature & Film* (theme subject to change)
  • Translation*
  • History of Immigration in France*
  • Architecture & Urban History in Provence (spr)

*Offered both semesters in 23-24; can only be taken once.

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Note: French majors and advanced-level students are expected to take two regular university courses.

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Aix-Marseille Université (AMU)

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Nearly 40,000 students on Schuman campus (Aix)

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WIA’s primary academic partner:

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Faculté des Arts, langues, lettres

& sciences humaines (ALLSH)

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Fields of Study

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  • Arabic Studies
  • Anthropology
  • Art History & Architecture
  • Cinema
  • Comparative Literature
  • French Language & Literature
  • History
  • Linguistics
  • Medieval Studies
  • Mediterranean Studies
  • Music
  • Philosophy
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

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Sciences-Po Aix (IEP)

  • Courses in economics, history, global studies, political science.
  • Program options :

full-time (6-8 courses/semester)

part-time (2 courses/semester)

  • Lecture courses meet 20 hours and earn ½ unit of credit. Minimum of two courses for 1 full unit/credit.
  • Consult Sciences Po website. www.sciencespo-aix.fr
  • Contact Resident Director if you

have questions.

Students interested in the full-time option should specify this in their application.

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�Academic Expectations�

  • Speak to your academic advisors on campus about transfer credit toward your major. Most courses will transfer as 200-level classes in the U.S.
  • FLEXIBILITY is key! The fewer requirements you seek to fulfill, the better.
  • The French university system requires students to take charge of their learning. Don’t expect detailed syllabi, weekly assignments, make-up work, etc. in non-WIA courses.
  • Be prepared to adapt & be autonomous!

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Tutoring

  • WIA tutor provides assistance with writing assignments & oral presentations in Sciences Po and AMU courses, exam strategies and language reinforcement (e.g., pronunciation, grammar).
  • Individual sessions: 30 min per week (mandatory) and more by appointment.
  • Group sessions on exam-taking strategies, practice for oral presentations.

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Housing & Meals

  • Homestays : Variety of French hosts & situations. Evening meals: 3 to 7 per week depending upon hosts.

Most live within a 20-25 min. walk to city center.

  • Independent option: single with en-suite bathroom and kitchenette in private student resident hall in central Aix. Best option for students with dietary restrictions or who wish to have more freedom & independence.
  • All students receive a monthly stipend deposited to their U.S. bank account for additional meals in Aix.

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Living with French Hosts

  • Limited number of homestays
  • Individual room
  • Internet access included
  • Varying meal plans
  • Regular interaction in French.
  • A 2-way street. Be prepared to make an effort to engage & exchange with hosts!

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Résidence Rossini

  • Private student co-ed residence hall in central Aix.
  • Secure building.
  • 2-3 singles available per semester (advance request must be made).
  • French student residents.
  • Wifi connection included.
  • Kitchenette, bathroom & shower in room.
  • Shopping & laundromats nearby.
  • Ideal for students who wish central location, total autonomy - and can cook!

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Transportation

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  • All WIA students receive an Aix-en-Bus pass valid for entire semester or academic year. Only form of public transportation in Aix.

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  • Students who live slightly outside city center may be reimbursed for taxis following group events or regular weekly activities in town that extend beyond bus schedules.

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�WIA Center - Tavan�

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On-Site Staff

  • Resident Director: Monique Fecteau, Ph.D
  • Primary emergency contact person
  • Academic issues & on-site advising
  • Oversees all program operations and local staff
  • Liaison with WIA partner institutions in Aix and with Wellesley College and students’ home institutions in the U.S.

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  • Student Life/Tutor: Célia Bourcy, M.A. (AMU)

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WIA Center open during business/class hours, closed weekends.

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Group Trips & Activities

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Cultural & Group Activities

WIA-organized trips & events (sample)

    • Day trips in Provence: Porquerolles, Cassis, Avignon, Pont du Gard, Nîmes, Arles, etc.
    • Weekend trip during semester to another city or region in France (e.g., Lyon, Nice, Montpellier)
    • Hiking, theatre outings, site visits, etc.

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Extra-Curricular Activities

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  • Individual cultural stipend: up to 300€ reimbursed for activities/events in French or with local groups.

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  • Sports teams & clubs: soccer, track, ultimate frisbee, crew (See WIA manual & Vie étudiante on AMU & Sciences Po web sites)

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  • Various types of classes: dance, yoga, painting, pottery…

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  • Volunteer opportunities, e.g. helping young French students with homework through the Secours populaire

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  • Possible babysitting or English tutoring

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Finances

  • Students pay the Wellesley Comprehensive Fee
  • Fee includes
    • All educational & administrative fees
    • Food & lodging from the departure date until the end of the semester
    • Group activities & excursions
    • Round-trip flight to Marseille
    • Transfer from Marseille airport to Aix
    • Reimbursement for visa application & Campus France fees
    • Monthly stipend (mainly for lunches)
    • Individual cultural stipend (reimbursements up to 300 €)
  • Financial Aid
    • All aid transfers

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The Application

Required application materials:

Online Application Form

French Recommendation Form

Additional Recommendation Form

All applicants must have a Skype or Zoom interview with Monique Fecteau, resident director.

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Spring 2024 Recommended Application Date:

September 15th (if applying, aim to get your materials in soon!)